Make a difference, volunteer for hospice

To the editor:

This is a long overdue “thank you” to Mat-Su Valley Hospice. In December 2010, my husband was released from Providence Hospital after a 37-day stay, with a life expectancy of four months. We returned home two days before Christmas with heavy hearts and grave concerns over how to care for him in our own home. He wanted so much to be home.

A few days after the holiday we received a visit from the hospice chaplain and a caseworker, who explained the program that was in place to help us cope. Within that first week we had in place a nurse to not only make weekly calls and evaluate his condition, but who would be on call if any emergency arose. We also had a caregiver to bathe him. Since my husband is legally blind and sees mostly shadows, this could have been a very frightening experience for him. Instead, the hospice people who came to our home made it a warm, calming time for both of us.

For those who do not believe in miracles, you might want to keep an open mind. In August, the hospice nurse and doctor found him so improved they released him from hospice care.

The nurse, caregiver and office staff came to our home and we celebrated his release. In the ensuing year, the congestive heart failure is still there and other infections have arisen, but he is able to enjoy a sedentary lifestyle at 89 in his own home.

To Dr. Molendez, to nurses Deena and Cheryl, chaplain Susan and most of all to Jenny — our thanks and our prayers that you came into our lives with gifts far greater than just your care giving. To those families that are receiving hospice care, you are in wonderful hands. Let them help you. To the community, we are truly blessed with the best hospice group in Alaska.

Two of our daughters have been volunteers for hospice in past years. If you are looking for a way to truly make a difference in someone’s life, you couldn’t find a more worthy place.

Leona Schank

Wasilla